Modular duvet apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A modular duvet includes a first segment a second segment separate from the first segment; a first attachment device disposed on an edge of the first segment; a second attachment device disposed on an edge of the second segment. The first attachment device is configured to mate with the second attachment device to reversibly attach the first segment to the second segment to form the duvet.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to bedding for beds and sleeping apparatus. Inparticular, the disclosure relates to duvets, which have a thickerprofile than other bedding, and which are useful for thermal insulation.

BACKGROUND

Bedding useful for beds and sleeping apparatus includes coverings for abed, such as sheets, blankets, comforters, and quilts. Bedding isalternatively called bedclothes, bed linen, bedcovers, or covers.“Bedding” as used herein excludes the bed frame or bed base. Bedding isa removable bed covering that is applied to a mattress of a bed or othersleeping apparatus to protect the bed surface, promote hygiene, providewarmth, and provide decoration. A typical bedding set includes a flat orfitted bed sheet that covers a mattress; a flat top sheet; and ablanket, quilt, duvet, or a combination thereof.

A duvet typically includes a soft, flat bag filled with down, featherssuch as from duck or geese, wool, silk, a synthetic material, or acombination thereof. Duvets were originally used in rural Europe whereeiden duck feathers were used to line duvets due to their superiorthermal insulating capabilities.

Manufacturers presently measure thermal insulating performance of duvetsin togs. Tog ratings assist purchasers in selecting duvets appropriatelyfor specific seasons. A duvet with a higher tog rating, for example, ismore appropriate for colder temperatures than a duvet with a lower tograting. Multiple duvets having lower tog ratings may be combined to forma complete duvet having a higher tog rating.

Because a duvet is filled to provide an insulating function, the duvethas a relatively thick profile, and is bulky in comparison with the flator fitted sheets and blankets, for example. Accordingly, cleaning aduvet in a conventional consumer washing machine is difficult andimpracticable in some circumstances. The duvet may be associated with aduvet cover. The duvet cover facilitates easier cleaning by providing aprotective layer having a flexibility and profile more conducive tocleaning in consumer washing machines than the duvets themselves. Yet,the duvet cover delays the need to clean the duvet that it covers.

SUMMARY

A need has been recognized for duvets that are configured for easiercleaning in conventional washing machines. In an embodiment of a duvetapparatus in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, a duvetapparatus includes a plurality of separable segments. Each of thesegments is reversibly attachable to an adjacent segment. The pluralityof segments form a complete duvet when attached to each other. Thus, theduvet configured in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can bedisassembled for packaging, storage, or cleaning, and reassembled foruse. Accordingly, an improved duvet is provided that meets the need foreasier cleaning in conventional washing machines.

Modular bedding including comforters, blankets, or other bedding havinga thick or bulky profile making cleaning in conventional washingmachines difficult are within the scope and spirit of the disclosedembodiments. For example, comforters or blankets having a thick or bulkyprofile in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein may include aplurality of reversibly separable segments that form a completecomforter or blanket when attached to each other, and form separatesmaller segments when disassembled. The segments may include attachmentsdevices configured and arranged for enabling reversible attachment to anadjacent segment. The segments may include a cover configured to coverthe attachment device and/or an fastening device configured to operatethe attachment device to prevent external contact during use of theassembled comforter or blanket.

An embodiment of a duvet apparatus in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein includes a first duvet segment having a width and/orheight less than a width and height of the whole duvet. The first duvetsegment includes a first surface and a second surface, aligned andsealed or semi-permanently or permanently attached at four side edges toform a segment interior. The segment interior is filled with a fillmaterial such as feathers, down, cotton, or a synthetic material, or acombination thereof to a relatively thick profile sufficient to providethermal insulation.

Apparatus include an attachment device disposed on a first side of thesegment at the first side edge. In an embodiment, a second attachmentdevice is disposed at a second side opposite the first side. In anotherembodiment, a third attachment device is disposed at a third side of thesegment perpendicular and adjacent to the first and the second sides. Inyet another embodiment, a fourth attachment device is disposed at afourth side of the first segment. In other embodiments, the segment mayinclude attachment devices at plural sides. In embodiments, theattachment device(s) permit reversible attachment to an adjacent segmentwith a compatible attachment device. For example, the attachment devicesmay include zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or other nowknown or later developed fasteners suitable for reversible fastening.The above-described first segment may therefore be reversibly attachedto a second segment. Two or more segments may be sized to form togethera whole duvet. The separability of the duvet into multiple smallersegments makes washing in conventional washing machines more convenient,and washing more effective and efficient. A cover is configured to coverthe fastening device to prevent external contact of the fastening deviceduring use of the assembled duvet.

An embodiment of duvet methods of manufacture in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein includes forming a first duvet segmenthaving a width and height less than a width and height of the duvet. Theforming includes forming a first surface and a second surface, aligningthe first and second surfaces and sealing the aligned first and secondsurfaces at four side edges to form a segment interior. The surfaces maybe formed of any suitable material such as fabric or other materialuseful for bedding. Methods include filling the interior with a fillmaterial such as feathers, down, cotton, or a synthetic material, or acombination thereof to a relatively thick profile sufficient to providethermal insulation.

Methods include applying an attachment device to a first side of thesegment at the first side edge. Methods include, in an embodiment,applying a second attachment device to a second side opposite the firstside. Methods include, in another embodiment, applying a thirdattachment device to a third side of the segment perpendicular andadjacent to the first and the second sides. In yet another embodiment,methods include applying a fourth attachment device to a fourth side ofthe segment. In embodiments the attachment device(s) permit reversibleattachment to an adjacent segment with a compatible attachment device.For example, the attachment devices may include zippers, buttons, hookand loop fasteners, or other now known or later developed fastenerssuitable for reversible fastening. Methods include applying a coverconfigured to cover the fastening device to prevent external contact ofthe fastening device.

Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated tocarry out the present disclosure. In addition to the embodimentsdisclosed herein, other and different embodiments are within the spiritand scope of the disclosure, and its several details are capable ofmodifications in various respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is shown by way of example in the figures of theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows methods in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however,that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specificdetails or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. Inaddition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Embodiments of modular duvets and methods of manufacture of the same aredisclosed. Apparatus of embodiments advantageously provide duvetsconfigured for enhanced hygiene and optimized usage through a modularconfiguration with separable segments suitable for cleaning inconventional consumer washing machines.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a modular duvet 100including a plurality of segments, including first segment 101 and asecond segment 103. The first segment 101 and the second segment 103 maybe formed of any now known or later developed material suitable forbedding, including cotton, synthetic material, silk, or a combinationthereof. The plurality of segments may include an attachment deviceconfigured for reversible attachment of the plurality of segments. Forexample, FIG. 1 shows the second segment 103 having a first attachmentdevice 105. The first attachment device 105 is configured to mate withor engage a second attachment device 107 on an adjacent segment of theplurality of segments. The attachment device may include a fasteningdevice such as a button 109. In some embodiments, the attachment device105 may include a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, or any other nowknown or later developed device suitable for reversible engagement andattachment. Accordingly, the plurality of segments having matingattachment devices may be reversibly connected to each other to form awhole duvet.

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a modular duvet 100 including aplurality of segments, including first segment 101 and a second segment103. The first segment 101 and the second segment 103 may be formed ofany now known or later developed material suitable for bedding,including cotton, synthetic material, silk, or a combination thereof.The plurality of segments may including an attachment device configuredfor reversible attachment of the plurality of segments. For example,FIG. 2 shows the second segment 103 having a first attachment device105. The first attachment device 105 is configured to mate with orengage a second attachment device 107 on an adjacent segment of theplurality of segments. The attachment device may include a fasteningdevice such as a button 109. In some embodiments, the attachment device105 may include a hook and loop fastener, a zipper, or any other nowknown or later developed device suitable for reversible engagement andattachment. Accordingly, the plurality of segments having matingattachment devices may be reversibly connected to each other to form awhole duvet. FIG. 2 shows the assembled whole duvet 211 wherein theplurality of segments, including the first segment 101 and the secondsegment 103, are attached by their respective attachment devices

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatical view of a modular duvet in accordance withan exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatical view of a modularduvet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a modularduvet 100 including a plurality of segments, including first segment 101and a second segment 103. The first segment 101 and the second segment103 may be formed of any now known or later developed material suitablefor bedding, including cotton, synthetic material, silk, or acombination thereof. The plurality of segments may including anattachment device configured for reversible attachment of the pluralityof segments. For example, FIG. 3 shows the second segment 103 having afirst attachment device 105. The first attachment device 105 isconfigured to mate with or engage a second attachment device 107 on anadjacent segment of the plurality of segments. The attachment device mayinclude a fastening device such as a button 109. In some embodiments,the attachment device 105 may include a hook and loop fastener, azipper, or any other now known or later developed device suitable forreversible engagement and attachment. Accordingly, the plurality ofsegments having mating attachment devices may be reversibly connected toeach other to form a whole duvet.

FIG. 3 shows the assembled whole duvet 211 wherein the plurality ofsegments, including the first segment 101 and the second segment 103,are attached by their respective attachment devices. The attachmentdevices are covered and concealed. For example, the button 109 is notshown, but is nonetheless present in the configuration shown in FIG. 3.The covering may include, for example, a layer of fabric or othermaterial is configured to cover and prevent external contact of all or aportion of the attachment device(s) disposed at edges of the segments.Thus, the covering 315 protects a user from contacting the attachmentdevice thereby causing discomfort or injury. Further, the covering 315contributes to enhanced aesthetic appearance by concealing unsightlyaspects of the attachment device(s).

FIG. 4 shows methods in accordance with an embodiment. In particular,FIG. 4 shows a method 400 including a step S4001 of forming or providinga first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces maybe formed of any now known or later developed material suitable for oruseful for bedding.

As shown in FIG. 4, methods include aligning the first and secondsurfaces at S4003, and joining the aligned first and second surfaces atS4005. The first and second surfaces may be joined by, for example,stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable now known or later developedmethod of joining. An interior compartment formed by the joined surfacesmay be filled with a material useful for providing thermal insulation.For example, at S4007, the interior compartment may be filled with afill material to form a thick profile suitable for providing thermalinsulation. The fill material may include duck or goose feathers,cotton, down, or any other suitable or useful material.

The joined first and second surfaces including fill material form afirst segment of a plurality of segments that each have dimensionssmaller than typical dimensions of a whole duvet sized to fit variousconventional bed sizes. At S4009, an attachment device is attached toone or more side edges of the first segment. The attachment device isconfigured for reversible attachment to a mating attachment device of asecond segment. Accordingly, the first segment may be joined to thesecond segment, and if necessary one or more further segments to form awhole duvet. The duvet may thus be advantageously disassembled forconvenient cleaning in conventional washing machines. The attachmentdevice includes a covering for preventing external contact of aspects ofthe attachment device to enhance comfort and usability.

Embodiments are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation inthe figures and drawings. While the invention has been described inconnection with a number of embodiments and implementations, theinvention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications andequivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appendedclaims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certaincombinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these featurescan be arranged in any combination and order.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first segment; asecond segment separate from the first segment; a first attachmentdevice disposed on an edge of the first segment; a second attachmentdevice disposed on an edge of the second segment, the first attachmentdevice configured to mate with the second attachment device toreversibly attach the first segment to the second segment to form theduvet.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the first segment comprising abedding material selected from the group comprising cotton, silk,polyester, or a combination thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, thefirst attachment device and the second attachment device comprising azipper.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, the first attachment device and thesecond attachment device comprising a hook and loop fastener.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, the first attachment device and the secondattachment device comprising a button and button hole or loop.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, the first segment comprising a fill material. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, the fill material comprising duck feathers. 8.The apparatus of claim 6, the fill material comprising goose feathers.9. The apparatus of claim 6, the fill material comprising down.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, comprising: a cover configured to protect theattachment device from external contact.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,the cover comprising a flap attached to or defined by the surface of thefirst segment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, the first segment and thesecond segment comprising two of a plurality of additional segments thatattach to form a complete duvet, the complete duvet.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, the second segment having the second attachment device at afirst side of the second segment, the second segment further comprising:a third attachment device disposed at a second side of the secondsegment parallel to and opposite the first side of the second segment.14. The apparatus of claim 13, the second segment having the secondattachment device at a first side of the second segment, the secondsegment further comprising: a fourth attachment device disposed at athird side of the second segment perpendicular to and adjacent the firstside of the second segment.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, the duvethaving a thermal insulation tog rating of togs or greater.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 1, the duvet having a thermal insulation tog ratinglying in a range of 4 togs to 15 togs.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, theduvet having a thermal insulation tog rating of 13.5 togs.
 18. A method,comprising: forming a first surface; forming a second surface; aligningthe first surface with the second surface and joining the surfaces atfour sides to form a first segment; filling an interior of the firstsegment with a fill material; attaching an attachment device at a sideedge of the first segment, the attachment device configured toreversibly attach to a mating attachment device on a second segmentwherein the connected first and second segments together form a duvet.19. The method of claim 18, comprising: attaching a cover configured toprotect the first attachment device from external contact.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, the attachment device comprising a zipper, a button,or a combination thereof.